LITTLETON, MA–Maugel Architects announced that construction has begun on Workers Credit Union’s new 60,000 SF headquarters in Littleton, MA.
The renovation includes the gutting of the existing two-story building down to the steel structure and the construction of a new addition. The new headquarters will house WCU’s corporate offices, a number of its departments, conference rooms, training rooms, a café, an outdoor dining patio and a fitness center.
To create a timeless design that appeals to all generations, including millennials, Maugel blended traditional and modern design elements throughout the space. The building’s exterior design features traditional masonry and cast stone that complements more modern elements, such as curtainwalls and a glass roof canopy.
The contemporary interior design celebrates WCU’s branded colors and features glass guardrails, glass accent signage walls, branded graphic walls and columns, terrazzo staircases, wood ceilings, and expansive folding walls. The design also features expansive views to the exterior throughout the entire length of the building, and a central spine with a two-story lobby and grand staircase.
On the first floor, a circulation path leads to a large cafe and two training rooms. With the use of moveable walls, the training areas, café, and adjacent corridor can be opened to create a large gathering space. To promote impromptu collaborations and meetings, Maugel designed a variety of seating areas along the circulation paths. The second floor includes a bridge that leads to an open work area. Nodes for smaller gatherings and breakout spaces were placed along the paths. To promote employee well-being, open work areas were placed along exterior walls with large windows, maximizing natural light into the space. Internally located glass-walled offices and conference rooms also enjoy borrowed light filtered through the space.
“It is a pleasure working with Workers Credit Union and the Blackham Company to design such a wonderful multi-generational workspace,” said Cindi Cascio, project architect at Maugel Architects. “WCU’s commitment to employee wellness ensures the new headquarters will be enjoyed for generations to come.”
According to Bob Lockett, SVP and Chief Strategy Officer of Workers Credit Union, “Workers is very excited to begin work on our new headquarters complex. We are experiencing phenomenal growth and this new space will allow us to accommodate our needs well into the future, giving us needed space in Fitchburg for our operational departments to expand.
Maugel has worked very closely with us to design a building that honors Workers 105-year history, but focuses on how we are innovating for the next century. The new complex will showcase a fresh approach to financial services, benefiting all the communities we serve. It includes substantial technology upgrades and much more to highlight the work/life balance the credit union honors.”
In addition to Workers Credit Union and the Blackham Company, other team members include Nauset Construction Corporation and Hill International, Inc.
Workers Credit Union, home of the GiveBack program, is headquartered in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. With assets of $1.7 billion, the credit union and its insurance division Workers Insurance Agency serve over 104,000 members through 16 offices in Athol, Chelmsford, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, Orange, Townsend, and Westford.
